There’s something magical about making coffee with a French Press. It’s hands-on, immersive, and gives you a deep connection to your brew—plus, the result is a rich, flavorful cup that beats anything from a standard drip machine. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just someone who enjoys a quality cup in the morning, mastering the French Press is a game-changer.
So, grab your press, your favorite beans, and let’s make the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had—right in your own kitchen!
What You’ll Need:
✔ A French Press (of course!)
✔ Freshly ground coffee (coarse grind is key)
✔ Hot water (just off the boil, around 200°F / 93°C)
✔ A kettle (preferably with temperature control)
✔ A coffee scale (optional, but helps with precision)
✔ A timer
✔ A wooden spoon or coffee paddle for stirring
The Golden Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Getting the ratio right is crucial for a balanced and delicious brew. The general rule of thumb is:
- 1 gram of coffee per 15-16 grams (or milliliters) of water
- In simpler terms: For every 1 tablespoon of coffee, use about 4 ounces (120ml) of water
Here’s a quick guide based on the size of your French Press:
- 12 oz (350ml) Press → 22g (about 4 tablespoons) of coffee, 350ml water
- 17 oz (500ml) Press → 33g (about 6 tablespoons) of coffee, 500ml water
- 34 oz (1L) Press → 65g (about 10-12 tablespoons) of coffee, 1L water
Now that we have our ratios sorted, let’s get brewing!
Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect French Press Coffee
1. Heat Your Water
Start by heating your water to about 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just bring it to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds. Using water that’s too hot can scorch the coffee, making it bitter.
2. Grind Your Coffee
For French Press, you need a coarse grind—think sea salt texture. A finer grind can make your coffee muddy and over-extracted. If you have a burr grinder, set it to the coarsest setting.
3. Preheat Your French Press
Pour some hot water into your French Press, swirl it around, and then discard it. This helps maintain the right brewing temperature.
4. Add Your Coffee Grounds
Now, add your freshly ground coffee to the French Press. Remember, for every 1 gram of coffee, you’ll need 15-16 grams of water.
5. Pour and Bloom
Slowly pour about half of your hot water over the coffee grounds. Give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon or coffee paddle, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Let it sit for 30 seconds—this is called the "bloom" phase, where gases escape from the coffee, leading to a more even extraction.
6. Add the Rest of the Water
Pour in the remaining water and place the lid on top (but don’t plunge just yet!). Set a timer for 4 minutes.
7. Plunge Like a Pro
Once your timer goes off, slowly and steadily press down the plunger. If it feels too easy, your grind might be too coarse. If it's too hard to press, your grind is probably too fine.
8. Pour and Enjoy!
Immediately pour your coffee into your mug or a serving carafe—letting it sit in the press too long can cause over-extraction and bitterness.
Bonus Tips for the Ultimate French Press Coffee
✔ Use freshly roasted beans. Coffee is best within 2-4 weeks of roasting.
✔ Grind right before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor fast!
✔ Experiment with ratios. Love a bolder brew? Try a 1:12 ratio instead of 1:15.
✔ Don’t rush the process. Enjoy the ritual—it’s part of what makes French Press coffee so satisfying!
Making French Press coffee at home is simple, satisfying, and results in a cup that’s full-bodied, rich, and brimming with flavor. Once you dial in your perfect ratio and timing, you’ll never look at coffee the same way again.
Now go on, brew like a pro, and start your day with a perfect cup of French Press coffee!
Also read: Italian Espresso Culture: Why Coffee Is a Ritual in Italy